Watson not ready yet

SHANE Watson is set to miss this week's Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales as Cricket Australia takes a conservative approach with the comeback of the Test vice-captain.

NSW selectors were finalising their squad on Monday night but were unlikely to be able to include Watson for the clash with Western Australia starting on Thursday.

Watson was put through his paces under the supervision of national chairman of selectors John Inverarity and fellow selector Andy Bichel at the SCG on Sunday, after which it was decided a return next week was more probable.

''He had a good running work-out … but he didn't bat,'' Inverarity said. ''When we left it yesterday it was uncertain, but he'll certainly play before the end of this month.''

The 31-year-old's likely absence from the shield means he will have to wait until the Blues' one-dayer against WA on Wednesday week to make his return from the calf injury he sustained in the Boxing Day Test.

Watson, who has shelved his bowling indefinitely to concentrate on his batting, is likely to return to the national set-up for the one-day series against the West Indies starting on February 1 in Perth.

With the Blues not due to play another shield match until February 6, just days before the Test squad departs for India, Watson may not get another opportunity to play the longer form of the game until the tour matches.

If Watson proves his Test fitness he is likely return at No. 4 rather than as an opener. Inverarity said Watson was always willing to play and bat where asked to bat.

Inverarity gave an indication that Ed Cowan would keep his place for the tour of India.